2 JANUARY 1999, Page 23

Royal pardon

Sir: Karen Robinson draws attention to the current conceit of failing to RSVP (No return to sender', 28 November).

I am reminded of the delightful (but, sadly, probably apocryphal) response to one such offender who apologised to an equerry for a similar failing on arriving at a reception at Buckingham Palace: 'Please don't give it another thought, sir. It was entirely our fault for inviting you in the first place.' Obviously trained in the Mary Killen School of courtesy.

Dr Alan R. Del Mar

Mouse Hall, Ashurstwood, Nr East Grinstead, Sussex